Gridiron Now takes an early look at the Baton Rouge prospects most likely to hear their names called when the 2018 NFL draft rolls around. The list doesn’t look as deep as it did for the 2017 draft.

ARDEN KEY, by Chris Parent/LSU athletics

OLB Arden Key

The buzz: After setting the LSU single-season sack record as a sophomore in 2016, Key should be in a position to challenge for the top overall pick in the 2018 draft. NFL teams put a premium on pass rushers and Key might be the best one in next year’s class. He will have to prove he can clean up the personal issues that led to a leave from the team this spring, but if NFL general managers are convinced of Key’s character, his wait to shake the commissioner’s hand will be a short one.